Samsung, Barnes & Noble to Create Co-Branded Tablets

Arrangement Helps Bookseller Focus on Stores, College Business

Barnes & Noble Inc. reached a deal to sell color tablets made by Samsung Electronics Co. co-branded with the book chain's Nook label, the companies said Thursday.

The deal fulfills Barnes & Noble's previously stated plan to reduce its heavy investment in the Nook, which has been a financial drain in recent years, allowing the retailer to focus more on its stores and college business.